Inside the quiet chamber of the Sea God's Pavilion, the temperature seemed to have dropped to freezing.
Xuan Zi's expression instantly turned ugly.
His sharp gaze shot toward Bei Bei like a blade, fury and killing intent nearly solidifying into substance.
If Mu En hadn't been present, he might have already lashed out.
---
Fearing that Bei Bei would expose more of the truth and completely reveal what he had done to Liu Yuan, Xuan Zi immediately spoke first.
His tone was righteous and imposing:
"Elder Mu, I personally handled this matter."
"That Liu Yuan may have some talent, but his heart is improper. He sought quick success, repeatedly consuming unknown medicinal pills to force breakthroughs, severely overdrawing his potential."
"Such behavior corrupted the academy's atmosphere and was irresponsible toward his own future!"
"And after being discovered, instead of repenting, he contradicted his elders with a terrible attitude."
"To correct the academy's discipline, I expelled him as a warning!"
---
His words were full of "justice," as if he were entirely selfless.
---
Mu En listened quietly.
His aged eyes narrowed slightly.
He didn't respond directly.
Instead, he asked softly:
"Is that so?"
---
Just four simple words—
Yet they carried immense weight.
---
Bei Bei could no longer hold back.
He stepped forward immediately.
"Progenitor Xuan! That's not true!"
"Based on my understanding of Liu Yuan, his will is firm. He would never destroy his own future like that!"
"I met him at the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest. I asked him personally—he said he was expelled because he refused your invitation to join the Shrek Supervisory Team!"
---
The moment those words fell—
Xuan Zi's face turned ashen.
A terrifying aura surged uncontrollably from his body.
The pressure of a Level 98 Super Douluo instinctively pressed toward Bei Bei.
---
But—
He stopped.
Because standing before him was Bei Bei.
Mu En's most beloved great-great-grandson.
---
Xuan Zi clenched his teeth.
The anger in his chest surged violently, yet he forcibly suppressed it.
If it were anyone else, they would already be dead.
But this was Bei Bei.
He could do nothing.
---
"Nonsense!" Xuan Zi snapped.
"Bei Bei, how can you believe his one-sided story?"
"He was expelled and harbors resentment—of course he would slander me!"
"You are still young. Don't be deceived by such people!"
---
Bei Bei did not retreat.
"I believe in his character."
---
"You—!" Xuan Zi trembled with rage.
---
At that moment—
A weary, aged voice interrupted them.
"This matter ends here."
---
Mu En had spoken.
---
He slowly opened his eyes.
His calm gaze swept over both of them.
---
As someone who had lived for centuries, how could he not understand Xuan Zi?
Talented. Powerful.
But also—
Vain. Narrow-minded. Overbearing.
---
Combining Bei Bei's firm stance with Xuan Zi's reaction—
Mu En already understood the truth.
Most likely, everything had happened exactly as Bei Bei described.
---
But…
Things were no longer as they once were.
---
Since his devastating battle with the Body Sect Master Du Bisi, Mu En had been gravely injured.
His life was nearing its end.
---
Shrek Academy was now in a fragile transition period.
The old generation was fading.
The new generation had yet to fully rise.
---
And among all of Shrek's powerhouses—
Aside from Mu En himself…
Only Xuan Zi remained capable of holding the line.
---
Yan Shaozhe and the others were strong—
But not enough.
Not yet.
---
So even if Mu En wanted to seek justice for Liu Yuan—
He couldn't.
Not now.
---
For the sake of Shrek…
He had to endure it.
---
Mu En sighed inwardly.
Then he looked at Xuan Zi.
His tone was calm—but carried unmistakable warning.
"Xuan Zi, I do not wish to see this happen again."
"The future of Shrek lies with its geniuses."
"In the future, be more careful in how you treat them."
"I trust you understand."
---
Xuan Zi immediately bowed.
"Yes, Elder Mu. I understand."
---
"Mm."
Mu En nodded.
"You and Shaozhe may leave. I wish to speak with Bei Bei."
---
After they left—
The room grew quieter.
---
"Progenitor Xuan!" Bei Bei spoke urgently.
"I believe Liu Yuan was framed! I've known him for years—he's not someone who would walk an evil path!"
---
"I know."
---
Three simple words.
They froze Bei Bei in place.
---
Mu En's voice was tired.
"I trust your judgment."
"But… the person is already gone. There is no point in pursuing this further."
---
He paused.
Then added softly:
"For Shrek… I have no choice."
---
Bei Bei fell silent.
---
He understood.
But he couldn't accept it.
---
Because in his heart—
Liu Yuan's value was not inferior to Xuan Zi.
---
If only his progenitor knew…
How powerful Liu Yuan had already become.
---
Gathering courage, Bei Bei spoke again:
"Progenitor Xuan, there's something else—about Liu Yuan's current strength—"
---
"Enough."
---
Mu En waved his hand.
"I am tired."
"Go and rest."
---
That was the end of it.
---
"…Yes."
---
Bei Bei bowed.
But his heart was heavy with disappointment.
---
Outside the Pavilion
The sunlight outside felt harsh.
---
As Bei Bei stepped out—
He heard voices nearby.
---
He paused.
And hid behind a pillar.
---
"Shaozhe, tell me—did Elder Mu see through it?" Xuan Zi chuckled.
---
Yan Shaozhe replied flatteringly:
"With Teacher's insight? Of course he did."
"But you are Shrek's second strongest."
"That Liu Yuan… is just a student."
"No matter how talented, he cannot compare to your importance."
---
"Hahaha!" Xuan Zi laughed.
"Exactly!"
"As long as I don't shake Shrek's foundation, Elder Mu won't touch me!"
---
Then his tone turned mocking.
"That Liu Yuan actually thought he could use Elder Mu against me."
"He overestimated himself."
---
"I am a Level 98 Super Douluo."
"And him?"
"Just a nobody not even at Soul Ancestor level."
---
"What does he have to compare with me?"
---
Behind the pillar—
Bei Bei clenched his fists.
So hard that his nails dug into his palms.
---
Xuan Zi's laughter…
Yan Shaozhe's flattery…
Mu En's "overall situation"…
---
They pressed down on his heart like mountains.
---
For the first time—
He felt doubt toward Shrek Academy.
---
Perhaps…
Liu Yuan was right.
---
Meanwhile — Sun Moon Empire
Far away—
A lone figure crossed the vast plains.
Red hair fluttering in the wind.
Eyes sharp and determined.
---
It was Liu Yuan.
---
After days of travel—
He finally stepped into the territory of the Sun Moon Empire.
---
Now—
He stood at the edge of a strange forest.
---
"The Sunset Forest…"
---
Compared to the vibrant Star Dou Forest—
This place felt cold and eerie.
---
A faint miasma lingered in the air.
The trees were twisted, metallic, unnatural.
Shadows warped under dim sunlight.
---
Danger lurked everywhere.
---
But Liu Yuan did not linger.
He turned to continue forward—
---
Then suddenly—
A mechanical voice rang out.
---
[Ding! Special area detected—Sunset Forest.]
[Triggering limited-time side mission!]
---
Liu Yuan froze.
A side mission?
---
The system… had more functions?
---
His eyes lit up.
---
[Mission Name: Sunset Hunt]
[Mission Type: Limited-Time]
[Objective: Within three days, hunt and kill a Black Gold Horned Bull Beast (≥10,000 years).]
[Reward: Rare Candy ×1]
---
"Rare Candy…"
---
Liu Yuan's pupils shrank slightly.
Then—
They shone with excitement.